Joseph R. Reitano

Joseph Reitano, 48, of Methuen, MA, died suddenly on April 23, 2021, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Joseph was the only son of Joseph Reitano of Derry, NH and Francesca Nice of North Andover.

He lived in Methuen with his wife, Jeannine Reitano (Peluso) and his two best friends, Rocco and Murphy (his dogs who he loved). Joseph had two daughters, Serena and Sophia Reitano, who reside in Lowell.

Joe was an extraordinary person who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, loving, caring nature, and infectious smile. He was an entrepreneur like no other. Anything he set his mind out to do, he did, and it was done to perfection.

He was the former owner of MAXX Muscle in Salem, NH and many years ago he worked as a personal trainer and nutritionist to hundreds. He was also a barber and color correctionist from BLAINE Academy, to roofer and construction worker. He was just an amazing person there to help everyone.

Joe was also a very devout Catholic who attended Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church.

He was a talented person in so many ways. As a teenager, his friends might remember him as the gifted actor in many school plays that chose him as the lead in Bye, Bye, Birdie and Grease to name a few. His
raw talent brought him delight that didn’t stop with acting. He kept it on the stage with his music. Joe loved to play guitar, piano, cello, keyboard, and drums. He was in a band as a teenager that played at schools and underage clubs on weekends.

Taking after his father’s love for music and art, Joe was also an outstanding artist. He had a natural talent that allowed him to express himself in drawings and create beautiful art. His passion and zest for life
continued when he decided to become a bodybuilder. Winning contests jump started his career in fitness magazines begging him to be on the covers to demonstrate perfection. He was in numerous headline
magazines depicted as the person to train and learn from.

Simultaneously, he opened his own health and wellness store that began from the West Coast called MAXX Muscle. His store was located in Salem, NH and was very well known for its immaculate interior design of products and gear. Joe could always be found in his store helping customers find the right combination to help each person maximize their own potential. One thing Joe should be proud of is ability to make anyone feel that they had the inner strength to do anything and would succeed. He empowered the powerless to heights of incredible success.

Being an incredible trainer and entrepreneur were definitely one of Joe’s passions but being a dad was his utmost calling. He put his two daughters, Serena and Sophia above all else. His love and devotion could
be seen and felt by all who knew and loved Joe. The only thing he ever wanted was the girls to know that he loved them and wanted the best for them.

I, as his wife, had the distinct pleasure of loving him and knowing his heart. His sincerity and genuineness made me truly the happiest I’ve been in a long time. He made me smile and laugh and told me every day that I was his best friend. I felt the exact same way. He was physically one of the strongest men I know and yet the most gentle man at heart. His love and passion for things would cause him to tear up at the simplest of things. That’s what I adored most about him. If an injured animal ever crossed his path you could be sure his day would be spent trying to find a way to help that little creature.

There are no words to describe how sad and broken hearted we all are to lose such a wonderful person like Joe. The only resolve I think we can all rest easy is that he is our guardian angel now and is protecting the ones he loves and God is right by his side. I don’t think we have much to worry about. I don’t think we could be safer or happier.

May you rest in the sweetest peace and know that I love you more than anything but there is also a world of people who adore you my love. Our hearts will never forget and we all say until we meet again. “I’ll stand by you.” Love forever, Jeannine

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 12:00–3:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM during visitation. A memorial mass will also be held at 10:00 AM on May 22, 2021 at St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street in North Andover.

As of the latest update, we are able to offer visitation periods and funeral services in the funeral home or at a church. 
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